Aspirin and metoclopramide for migraine

About aspirin and metoclopramide

MigraMax® is a combination medicine containing a type of aspirin, called lysine acetylsalicylate, and metoclopramide. Aspirin belongs to a group of medicines known as analgesics (painkillers). It helps to ease the pain you feel during a migraine headache. Metoclopramide is an anti-sickness medicine, also called an anti-emetic. It helps to stop you from feeling sick (nausea).

This medicine is used to treat headache and sickness during an occasional migraine attack. If you have migraines frequently, you should discuss this with your doctor, as there are other medicines available that can help to reduce the number of migraine attacks.

Before taking aspirin and metoclopramide

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you take MigraMax® it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• If you are under 18 years of age - MigraMax® must not be taken by anyone under 18 years old.

• If you have any allergies, or if you have asthma.

• If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer.

• If you have epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or gout.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works or with the way your kidneys work.

• If you know you have a problem with your digestive system, such as a blockage or any internal bleeding.

• If you have a heart condition or a problem with your thyroid gland.

• If you have a blood disorder such as haemophilia, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

• If you have a tumour on your adrenal gland (known as phaeochromocytoma).

• If you have ever had an unusual or allergic-type reaction after taking aspirin or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs include ibuprofen, diclofenac, indometacin and naproxen. You should also let your doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other medicine.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take aspirin and metoclopramide

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about the medicine and it will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience.

• Take MigraMax® exactly as your doctor tells you to. As soon as a migraine starts, stir the contents of one sachet into a small glass of water and drink it straightaway. You can take a further sachet in the same way after two hours if needed. Do not take more than a total of three sachets in any 24-hour period.

• If you are able, try to take the sachets with something to eat.
  

Getting the most from your treatment

• A number of things can trigger migraines in some people. These can include some foods (for example, cheese, chocolate, and red wine), worry, bright sunlight, too much or too little sleep, and skipping meals. If you are not sure if these things trigger a migraine for you, it may help for you to keep a migraine diary. Note down when and where each migraine attack started, what you were doing, and what you had eaten that day. A pattern may emerge and it may be possible for you to avoid some of the things that trigger an attack.

• Try to keep any follow-up appointments with your doctor. MigraMax® will only be prescribed for a short period of time. Only take it during a migraine attack.

• You will not be prescribed the treatment for longer than three months in total, as this could lead to some serious unwanted effects. If you continue to be troubled with migraines, discuss this with your doctor, as an alternative preparation will be more suitable for you.

• It is important that you do not take more than one preparation containing aspirin at a time. Aspirin is an ingredient in some over-the-counter preparations for cold and flu, so before you take any other medicines, check the label to see whether they contain aspirin.

• Some people who get frequent migraine attacks are in fact getting medication-induced headache. Medication-induced headache (also called medication-overuse headache) is caused by taking painkillers too often. If you use painkillers on more than two days a week on a regular basis, you may be at risk of this. You should talk with your doctor if you suspect it.

• Taking too much aspirin can cause serious problems. If you suspect that you have taken more than the prescribed dose, or if a child accidentally ingests the contents of a sachet, contact your local accident and emergency department for advice straightaway.

Can aspirin and metoclopramide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the side-effects associated with MigraMax®. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store aspirin and metoclopramide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  

Important information about all medicines